(1) I’d like to see the Bears interchange Eric Weems and Josh Morgan on the first team offense this week. (I had forgotten about Morgan’s most boneheaded moment in Washington until I did a bit of searching.)

(2) I’d like to see Chris Williams rebound quickly from his hamstring pull but I fear that won’t be the case. Hamstring injuries and speed receivers can be a dicey proposition but his skill set is a perfect complement to Bears star receivers.

(3) I’d like to see Jordan Palmer and Jimmy Clausen given a shot with the first-team talent. How much can we really learn from these two quarterbacks dodging defenders behind the second offensive line and throwing passes to Michael Spurlock? History tells us the Bears will need their backup quarterback at some point during the regular season. It would be good to know which is most comfortable with skill players.

(4) I’d like to see Ka’Deem Carey jump Shaun Draughn on the “depth chart” and start Thursday night. (I have no use for Matt Forte in these preseason games.) The other night Carey looked just as he did in college. He attacks the hole. He runs with both patience and violence.

(5) I’d like to see Jordan Lynch worked into the first-team offense a bit. No, he’s not going to be an every down back or even a third down back due to his limited blocking ability. But if Lynch can contribute on specials he just may be a spark plug for this offense and I don’t think we should ignore the reaction of the Soldier Field faithful to his every touch. He lights up the building.

I understand this is unlikely to happen. But that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t happen.

Perhaps Christian Jones should be given a chance to compete for the SAM position. McClellin and Bostic could be liabilities offenses exploit.

CanadaBear

Didn’t see the game Friday but it doesn’t sound like Bostic improved much from last year. YIKES!

GPLDAN

This Tucker scheme in the nickel is supposedly very much like what he did at Florida. So the post snap first step confusion seems odd.

He also can’t shed a block.

MB30SD

Hmmm… I read that the non-nickle standard scheme was similar. I was under the impression that the nickel scheme we run is a little custom deal.

I’d like to see if the kid can play the fucking position he’s played his whole career. Maybe the kid’s just to one dimensional or maybe he just doesn’t suck. Bummer

CanadaBear

DAMN!

MB30SD

Yes on Jones.

Did they play bostic at sam or in the middle?

GPLDAN

Neither. As the Nickel LB he had unique responsibilities.

THat said, he ran around like he was on roller shakes. Somebody else here said that line and it’s true.

Frank Schoenburg

I like #4 the most. Really happy we grabbed Carey in the 4th round. He’s a perfect backup for us and I’m a big fan of his. I’d be happy if Forte didn’t play another snap this preseason.

CanadaBear

I’m a little concerned Carey is going to get beat to death on the field. He’s a little slow and keeps fighting for more yards. I like the fight in him but afraid it will lead to injuries. Other than that, he seems like a great complement to Forte.

Frank Schoenburg

That just comes with the territory. A RB has to fight for yards or he’s worthless.

CanadaBear

I totally agree but with his lack of speed he really draws a crowd.

CanadaBear

I agree Williams seems like the ideal complement to BMarsh and Alshon. Who knows if he can remain healthy. Hamstring issues seem to linger forever + he’s so tiny you expect him to get blown up on every play.

Barb UMihai Mar

I think Trestman wants interchangeable WRs. A small quick type WR might not be in his plans, if he’s not a real deal. From what I’ve seen last year the 3rd WR must run block at a high level against different opposition. They play nickel when using the Jeffery reverses and the WR screens.

CanadaBear

No doubt the guy isn’t going to be a blocking machine but a really fast, quick WR like Williams seems like a nice alternative.

Barb UMihai Mar

He would be a great 4th WR. To do that he must win the returner spot. Fist and foremost. If he can’t do that he’s out.

CanadaBear

Here’s Peter King’s take on the Bears. Nothing new here. The other piece on the Bears is embedded in the article. It was posted last thread.

it’s not good that BDLP is out, Mills already has a sore surgically repaired foot, Long has that bum ankle and Britton is out for the whole preseason with a hammy.

Trac

Look on the bright side. At least we got 1 good season out of Long.

beninnorcal

No news on De La Puente till tomorrow or what?

AlbertInTucson

I expect that glass to even be mostly empty.

beninnorcal

I did too, Al, but looks like it’s about 3/4 full, eh? We’ll take it.

AlbertInTucson

I can’t even REMEMBER the last time MRI results, especially on a knee, weren’t strictly bad news.

Whew!

Bears dodged a bullet, for sure because that video looked horrific.

Shady

I agree with all of it except for Jordan Lynch playing with the starters. That’s a joke.

For your consideration….

he should be running with the 2’s and 3’s. Carey, Ford and Perry all have solid running back credentials. Lynch has talent but no one knows how much because it’s a new position.

For your consideration….

Khalil Bell was our number 3 in the past if that is any indication of how little the guy is used.

johnnywad

And was an actual RB with plenty of experience in college. Plus a better frame for it

bearsfantillend

explain Garrett Wolfe then

johnnywad

In what way? He was awful. That’s what happens when you take tiny little shits from Directional State University. Although its sounds like Lynch is bigger than I assumed. Bell was a bowling ball from a legit D1 school. I never would have drafted Wolfe or Lynch.

AlbertInTucson

I endorse the concept of giving guys like Palmer, Clausen, Carey and Lynch, an opportunity with our, and against the opponent’s, number ones. Really like to see if that was a mirage or a viable #2 QB in Clausen.

Shady

Palmer and Clausen yes, Carey and Lynch no.

AlbertInTucson

Looked like Carey can block from what I saw.

AlbertInTucson

The Trib reports that Martellus Bennett has returned to practice.

For your consideration….

thanks Zach Miller!

Nothing like a little perspective juice to wake you up in the morning.

Thisguy_justsaid

Exactly!

MB30SD

I don’t even know you anymore! ?!

Thisguy_justsaid

Que?

AlbertInTucson

BF Tweet: “What is Tony Stewart thinking? ”

What was Kevin Ward, Jr. thinking?

AlbertInTucson

BF tweet; “..Murder…”.

That is a wildly premature, inflammatory, irresponsible statement.

Cormonster

Tony Stewart can be a hot head, but there is no way he meant to nudge or hit that kid. It was just a terrible decision by both guys.

Modern video gives us modern mics on these video recorders. I hear Stewart gun the engine, don’t you? He’s been dirt track racing for 20 years, he knows what that will do. It will break the tires and slide him.

That said, that kid was a motherfucking idiot to get out of his ride and run down a slippery muddy track at another car.

bearsfantillend

in the deadspin video the engine rev is heard almost exactly when he hit him. However a youtube and TMZ versions of the incident from the same camera the timing of the engine rev is different. TMZ and Youtube versions are pretty close to the same on the timing of the engine rev while Deadspins is different. Which one is correct?

There’s cars flying by all over the place. How can you tell WHOSE engine was revved?

And this idiot’s in BLACK, bobbing and weaving in traffic among cars with giant spoilers obscuring the vision of anyone in a following vehicles. That makes him a candidate for DARWIN AWARD.

I stand by my statement. “..Murder..” was a TOTALLY irresponsible tweet at this point in time.

GPLDAN

bearsfantilend is right. Youtube clip has no engine gunning sound at that time. Might Deadspin have doctored that video?

Either way the kid is dead.

And here’s the really sad thing – Stewart didn’t clip him. Stewart just grabs the low line away from him leaving him up in the slippery. A good dirt track racer would have eased it up and steered it down – he was beat but he didn’t know it. Instead he takes it up into the barrier and flips.

So the kid really has nobody to blame but himself.

MB30SD

First I’ve seen of this and had zero background info.

My one and only thought was, “what in thee fucking is that crazy fucking moron doing running out into traffic during a fucking car race!?!?!?!?”

I know nothing about that type of racing, but I can see only one person at fault… the dude running out into the middle of a car race. Holy shit what the fuck was he thinking!?!?

I think stewart is going to carry this around for the rest of his life. my god, that was brutal.

Big Mike

Even if it is proven that it was intentional, it is a grossly irresponsible tweet. I miss the days of journalism. This tweet shit and 24 hour news bullshit creates a void that needs to be filled by every asshole with a blog. (not @dabearsblog of course)

AlbertInTucson

“If you drink – don’t tweet. If you Tweet – don’t.”

Paul Stuart

The audio and video sync cannot be totally relied upon when uploaded to a flash video format. Nevertheless, it sounded to me like the revving was a consequence to the transmission at the time of impact. No way of telling how deep TS’s car was relative to the camera and the track’s width as he approached Ward Jnr, especially with Ward Jnr acting so erratically. The kid was clearly beyond reason with his obvious desire to confront TS for the earlier rubbing. Tragic, but not murder.

AlbertInTucson

Some dweeb on CBS radio this afternoon, I wish I knew his name, said that he was “SURE Tony Stewart saw Ward.”

Really?!

Were you in the car with Stewart?

Or is your name really Kal-El and you posess both Telescopic and X-ray vision?

Talk about irresponsible.

Get off the air, idiot.

For your consideration….

BDLP has a grade 2 MCL sprain and will be out a couple of weeks. What a quitter.

AlbertInTucson

A lot better news that I ever expected to hear.

Shady

Ha. Glad to hear de la sol won’t be missing significant time. He’s a much needed insurance policy at C.

Shaw would have finished his shift. PS: I envy you… for bringing fantastic news to the table.

For your consideration….

at least BDLP is only out for the preseason. We need him as backup for our super bowl run. BDLP and Britton will play a key role this year in keeping Cutty clean and hence, throwing TD after TD.

Barb UMihai Mar

I kind of like that Brown dude. He could fight Britton for his spot. De La Puente is key. He’s the only C or G reserve of starting level.

Big Mike

I for one think he’s better than Garza.

Barb UMihai Mar

He is 100% better in the run game. He’ll be a reserve this season and they’ll resign him next year. I hope.

johnnywad

Pretty good chance of being full strength on the OL when shit gets real.

MB30SD

Awesome! I had one my freshman year in collegio. .. 3 weeks and I didn’t know I ever had it. Hurts like hell right when it happens though

Barb UMihai Mar

I just remembered… what a play from Kyle Fuller !!! That strip of the WR down the seam was a sign of things to come. Superior stuff right there. Loved the strategy of the pick and love the player. Emeryyy.

For your consideration….

he also came up hard on a run that bounced outside. it was fast and violent.

Barb UMihai Mar

that’s a given. that pass defended was superior shit. It wasn’t his man. I don’t know if it was a designed coverage or a Hayden error, but Fuller was awesome. Left his man on the outside and caught up with the other batting the football from his hands.

MB30SD

Guaranteed it was a Hayden fuck up. God that dude sucks balls. Why we kept him and let bowman walk I’ll never know

GPLDAN

Money.

Hope that helped.

MB30SD

Get what you pay for?

For your consideration….

lol, you hate Hayden

MB30SD

guy just sucks man. I watched him closely 2 years ago when timmy went out and he was literally to blame every single time there was a big td or first down. dude suuuucks.

Barb UMihai Mar

You’re talking in general, but on that particular play I’m not so sure.

Thisguy_justsaid

So do we got a Tight end battle in Chicago? Zach miller was playing beastly.

MB30SD

Can anyone say double TE sets?

And I don’t even know you anymore! !

Big Mike

I was wondering whether Miller had any blocking skills. Shit if he’s a threat, WTF do you do as a d-coordinator. Reminds me of a time I was coaching against a very, very talented team. My D-Coordinator yells “Watch this, Watch that, oh hell, Watch everything”.

For your consideration….

lol, no way in hell is there a battle, just a good back up it looks like

Looking at the schedule, I like it that the division games are almost all late in the season. 5 of the last 8 games against division opponents. The Bears last three road games are all against the division. One other thought. There are going to be a lot of cold games in November and December. Two night games in Chicago in December, and at Minnesota on Dec 28.

Big Mike

Cold used to help the Bears. It would make real offenses, look as shitty as ours. I’m not so sure that it helps anymore. The grass at Soldiers also helped to make our pitiful O-lines less pitiful. Will be interesting to see how Bears do on turf this year.

“Things happen,” Williams said. “I felt it right away. I went the
distance not feeling 100 percent. I am disappointed I didn’t get to
finish (the game). I am happy we got the win. For me personally I am a
little bummed out.”

HOW fast is this dude? Damn. He out ran two NFL DBs on a pulled hammy? Holy Smokes.

“in 2013 when the Bears had 20 penalties on special teams for 154 yards.
Only four teams were penalized more on special teams: Denver,
Washington, Baltimore and St. Louis.”

DeCamillis worries me, right behind Tucker. He doesn’t appear to have the same attention to details as Toub. I don’t care what the stats suggest, but our SP team players look much sloppier under DeCamillis. Bad angles, sloppy tackling, missed assignments, off spacing, penalties, blocked field goals, high snaps,100 + run backs…just disappointing all around.

I know it’s one PS game, but they better find the SP teams guy quick, and just drill them into machines.

MB30SD

I want a badass DC (ryan?) and toub back, then everything will be right in this world.

Bostic looks just as lost as last year. Is that more on Bostic or Tucker? Shea was OK, but he was still getting washed out on run plays. Greene flashed, but looks a bit smallish (he was a former S). The first string revamped Dline should help, but LB is a real concern, esp considering how we were getting run over at 5 yds per attempt last season.

I never wanted Tucker. I was on record for wanting Horton, but he was more of a 3-4 guy, and no one wanted to radically change the D last year. Might have been short sighted in the long run. Ryan proved a defense can improve dramatically in one season.

MB30SD

sucks about bostic. I really thought he’d make a big jump this year. Guess kid should get a little more time to prove he’s not a bust. Would suck if shae and bostic busted. smfh.

You and I were the 3-4 guys hazing tucker…. I wanted that fuck out. I’d seen enough last year… his system or not. He’s not the guy. I’m pretty sure of it already.

everyone keeps saying Bostic is smart. I don’t see it, on the football field at least. It’s like he never played LB in his life. WTF? Off the field he might be smart, but on he’s like Pauly Shore, buuuudddy.

He’s like the Bizarro Uracher.

MB30SD

weird man. all of his tape… anyway… whatever. I’m gonna watch the next few games and keep my eyes on him and shea… and hopefully we’ll also get a look at jones.

maybe they’re trying to hide Jones? Try to stash him on the practice squad.
Shea looked ok, but once a lineman gets in front of him, he gets engulfed.

Ironically, Shea might have excel in the classic cover 2 lach position. Lach never shed blocks that well either, but did need to as much. Lach also looked much thicker than Shea even when Shea was a DE.

MB30SD

yes.

fuck me. (not literally)

Big Mike

Urlacher didn’t have a neck. When he took his helmet off, you could have painted on on his bald head and it could have passed. Never in my life have I seen a guy who wears a helmet and it looks like a skull cap.

Trac

Yeah and evra one scoffed at drafting Mosely. Still early though.

GPLDAN

Tucker ran a 4-3 to 3-4 hyrbid in Jacksonville. I think it was regarded as forward thinking – by NFL standards – given that Bellichek started doing it.

Yes, but his “base” was 4-3.
Horton, if I remember correctly, was more along the lines of the Ryans. An aggressive 3-4, though I’m sure he ran hybrid too.
If we would have hired Horton, no way would we have pretended to run the 4-3 Cover 2 base. It would have meant a radical transformation, but no one wanted to “change what wasn’t broke.”
Still hoping our suckage on D was because of injuries, but Tucker doesn’t exactly excite me, and neither does DeCamillis.

the second this commercial came on I started falling all over myself to grab the fucking controller and change the channel as fast as I fucking could, as my 5 year old little baby girl was intently staring at the TV during the ‘run up to sharkweek shark show’ on fucking discovery channel… and we wonder why girls in this country have body issues. fuck me.

Did you see this replay in the comments? Trolling has gotten so messed up..

This ol’ American gal who used to be a guy ain’t fat – and NEVER was. I eat LOTS of burgers…. even still now as female. It’s called moderation and exercise. You’re just another small-penis hater (I had one) who hides behind a mask envious of our freedom and exceptionalism that many (including Obama) wants to destroy. I guess I’ll have to just pray for you even though you don’t deserve it.

There is so much genius in this troll I think it deserves an Emmy.

MB30SD

wow. brilliant.

Shady

You can’t have it both ways.

MB30SD

Sure I can youngster. 30% of the time I’m hardcore dad and I don’t drink a drop of alcohol, swear, or expose my kids to anything not age appropriate and in a learning slant.

70% of the time I’m a womanizing bond type… but without all the killing and infinite gov. resource. Oh, and I don’t know any martial arts or fighting systems. But I do get to hook up with strange… they just don’t end up dead afterwards.

Big Mike

Game 1 of the preseason. Not one thing shown in terms of scheme. At some point its not the coordinator. Bostic might not be that bright, maybe he’s not that good. Or maybe he’s still getting the hang of it and will be a stud.

i have watched a couple of games with that Preseason Package from NFL.com and my takeaway from it is this:

If the refs call this season like they have the preseason this will no longer be football. Holding on O linemen is one thing but the pussy ass calls on the defenders is outrageous.

For your consideration….

also, Wes Welker got called for a block in the back for hitting a defender who was actually coming towards him but that turned his back at the last minute completely away from the ball and the play. wtf???

AlbertInTucson

Hey, it’s exhibition season for the Zebras too.

bearsfantillend

agreed! let the defenders play otherwise QBs are going to throw for 10,000 yards

For your consideration….

these bad calls extend drives, affect outcomes, etc.

AlbertInTucson

And call Offensive P.I. when you see it. The receiver grabbed Jean-Louis’ jersey and stretched it like a rubber band on that INT, a flag should have come out even thought the INT was made.

On the other hand, I liked what i saw from this new Ref. Doesn’t seem to be from the Ed Hochuli mold.

Big Mike

I could barely sit through the first quarter of the Bears’ game with all of the Penalties. At one point is was 8 out of 11 plays with flags.

I think the refs are going overboard right now just to scare the coaches and players. Once the season starts, they won’t be as flag happy. They can’t be. The NFL really tries to get games within 3 hours.

I think the Bears game ran to about 3:30, and our game probably wasn’t as penalized as some others.

Ford might get cut simply because of specials. He missed that tackle that went for a TD, then backed into Spurlock and caused him to fumble the PR. That plus the emergence of Carey, Lynch and even Senorice won’t bode well for Ford tough.

Also, Spurlock needs to run with the 1st team if even for a series.

AlbertInTucson

Ford did not help himself Friday night.

Big Mike

He looked unprepared. Maybe nerves. Would like to see his best effort in coming weeks, so he can be evaluated based on that. Other wise he’s gone.

Random Bear thought: perhaps the coaching staff released Izzy because Trevor Scott looked much better than him in practice. If so, it might be a good call in the long run. Would be nice to have depth for both lines.

Cormonster

I had a spotty feed for the game, but it looked like Scott was the guy who helped pressure two picks from Foles.

Like I said from the beginning, Conte will likely start unless someone really tears it up in the PS. I still expect Mundy and Conte to start, which might mean Adrian Wilson gets cut cuz he can’t/won’t play specials in his 14rth season.

Ideally, Wilson balls, Mundy to FS, and Conte/Vereen make great special teamers, but I’m more pragmatic than that.

That play was as much Pepp’s fault, getting blown up by a fb. And lest we forget everyone standing around with their thumbs up their asses on that one live ball. I blame that on Tucker as much as the players.

MB30SD

No, no it wasn’t. Conte was the ONLY fucking guy on that entire d who switched out of man and just let his man run totally uncontested up the field for a td… it wasn’t Peps only job to sack vadge. It was contes only job to cover his man…. that doesn’t mean he could have, but at least he could have tried had he not been so fucking bad.

Big Mike

Bad mistake at the worst possible time. If he starts, its because he beat out a lot of guys.

MB30SD

Agree with the last part, but let us not pretend that was his only resume blemish… he had an entire year of them… every game. But yes, that one by far eclipsed all the rest.

If he comes back and is actually good, I’ll be shocked. Just like bostic, we have a few weeks to find out the real deal.

Big Mike

Bostic is a head shaker. I’m sure there is a plan for him to get more reps. Maybe the Briggs/Bostic nickel package was just to get a look. They got it. It looked bad. Bostic at Mike looked worse.

MB30SD

yeah, I don’t get it either. Everything I see tells me he should be solid but not spectacular. Guess some guys just can’t make the jump.

#puzzledandalittlesad

Jokey

Pep lost contain on Rodgers who rolled out and made the pass.

Big Mike

Two things can happen to a guy who gets tagged (unfairly or not) as the guy who lost the game to the Packers that deprived all Bears fans from 1 (yeah that’s it 1) more game. He will shrivel up and play worse, or he uses it as fuel and gets better. I love what Trestman and Emery have done. They’ve brought in a bunch of guys to compete. If Conte starts, its because he’s the best option.

AlbertInTucson

“I’d like to see the Bears interchange Eric Weems and Josh Morgan on the first team offense this week. ” – Strongly agree.

Peanut FTW

I would like to see more of Josh Morgan and the new undrafted college kid.. I like the 6-3 plus thing. Weems is great at ST, but that is where he belongs; I don’t want a 5’10 7 year semi failed wideout even as my 3rd wr starter.

Big Mike

In general I think we are discounting scheme and personnel and its impact on the 3rd receiver. Morgan, could be an absolute stud as a 3 in Chicago. He’s never had an opportunity like this before. At the same time, the same can be said for every guy trying to be the 3 for the Bears.

For your consideration….

Morgan lined up with the 1’s a couple plays last game. You’ll see more of him I’d think.

Big Mike

With Williams and Wilson down, this is a career making opportunity for Morgan and/or the other guys.

Barb UMihai Mar

against the Eagles the Bears first LB nickel pair was Briggs-Bostic. That’s the only role I want Bostic to ‘win’ and If he does that he did ok. Everything else is just a bonus.

Big Mike

Bostic looked uncertain on about 1/2 the snaps he was in on. Disappointing effort. K. Greene looked very athletic.

Barb UMihai Mar

Unlike last year when he was a future superstar. It’s preseason.

Big Mike

Ok, so I guess I should qualify all posts, with the fact that it’s preseason and things are getting worked out. Of course. My comment was based on watching the pre-season live feed and watching him closely on a handful of plays. DId not see an improvement in recognition, or any gains based on how they’ve changed his responsibilities to something he’s more familiar with, from the scheme last year.

Barb UMihai Mar

They started him at LB in nickel next to Briggs. He was their first choice in the first preseason game. That’s the only point I was making. I’m not sold on him even a bit. The point is… he has to win that spot. If he doesn’t it’s a big sign that he’s not the future answer at LB.

GPLDAN

Anybody with the preseason package confirm that Blaine Gabba Gabba Hey looked as bad for the Niners as Kap’s backup as reported?

For your consideration….

that’s what Denver did to Wilson in the first preseason game. Multiple times Ware would head straight at Wilson no matter if he handed it to the RB going in the other direction or not. Teams that let Wilson do that obvious bootleg every single fucking time deserve what they get. All the backside DE needs to do is not crash down and completely ignore the quarterback using playaction and you can embarass WIlson. Everytime Denver did it WIlson had no idea what to do.

GPLDAN

It’s the NFL rule correct? The QB is legitimately classified as a RB in Pistol and not afforded the same protections without the ball. So if he hands off and the actual RB dives the pile – fine – tackle him anyway.

For your consideration….

you simply have to hit the QB on every fucking play and it all works out.

I’ve been saying this for two seasons, but crashing DEs always hesitate and pull up. Maybe instincts? DEs just gotta blast the QB. If every D does it, no way the Qb lasts the season. Eventually, the QB will go down, or the team will get scared and revert back to more conventional drop backs.

MB30SD

yes

Peanut FTW

Well I know it was only preseason, but I thought we looked pretty good. I was fairly impressed with Clausen and Zach Miller. I was most disappointed with O’donnell. I guess I was expecting one of those headline making, ball busting 70 yarders and… nothing.

I am fairly concerned with the idea of moving Jennings inside to nickel, I think that’s their biggest mistake. Hayden is bigger, stronger and has experience at Nickel. There are things you can do like moving Houston in to UT on passing downs to keep your best players on the field and there are times when you need to let them take a breather and put the best nickel corner in.

Big Mike

Jennings is better than Hayden. Putting Jennings at Nickel, let’s Fuller go to Corner. You then have your three best CBs on the field. Jennings likes going to nickle. Read he was jacked up about it a few weeks back.

Jennings is the prototypical nickle. That’s where he started off. He has the instincts for it, and he seems to always be around the ball. He could get more ints at nickle because he seems to know where to be at. He used to drop a lot of INTs, but after working on that, I expect a big year from him – lots of turnovers.
Also, for a small guy, he’s a solid tackler. That’s my only worry – that he might get nicked in traffic.

Big Mike

Yep. Agreed. Best three CBs on the field.

GPLDAN

Not to mention that Jennings has beat the fuck out of his shoulders lately. Look at Peanut. Guys shoulders are a mess.

Because corners need to come up and stop the run. Nickel doesn’t – generally.

Jennings will probably add 2 more years just getting off the corner. He should be thrilled to be playing nickel. Big step up over DJ Moore or Isiah Frey.

It’s also insanely difficult for any rook to learn the nickle. Even vets like Jennings say it takes way more time to learn than L/RCB.

So we’re going to get a more fundamentally sound Fuller, maximizing our secondary. Later in the season once Fuller gets more comfortable, I expect him to move to the slot on occasion, or even cover TEs.

Our Dline and CBs are going to feed off each other. The first preseason game was just a glimpse.

The problem, ad nauseaum, S and LB. Teams are just gonna attack the shit out of them. Those slants, posts, hooks, go-routes might kill us.

MB30SD

Hayden is dogshit. Where’ve you been.

#yesidislikehaydengreatly

GPLDAN

Man you are down on that kid.

MB30SD

maybe he got better GP, but I watched him closely after the first game he was in for timmyJ in 2012. He was to blame for literally every broken play on D (passing). Teams immediately picked on him because he was the painfully obvious weak link.

Maybe he’s gotten better, but i would much rather have timmyj, peanut, and fuller on the field. Of course, the coaches know more than me (I hope), so if he’s improved exponentially, great.

Big Mike

I’ve been meaning to ask this. Can our Zach Miller block? Or is he simply Bennett’s back up and the Bears need to have a “Blocking” tight end opposite.

If we put him out there with Jordan Lynch, we’d have 3 QBs on the field. 🙂

Nice speed. Will have to watch how he blocks. With a double tight, two wide formation and Forte in the backfield, pick your poison defense. you could get 2-3 or 4 verticals with any combination of routes, with Forte underneath, or you could pound the ball.

GPLDAN

I’m going to make a comparison of Miller to Aaron Hernandez but only in the on-field sense. I think Hernandez was probably a better blocker, but the thing we dreamed of having if we went and picked Eifert over Long – the twin slot TE formation – I think with Unicorn and Miller that’s very doable. It’s clear with Ebron going 1 that the league has seen the benefit of the Jimmy Grahamification of offenses.

I hope to see more formations and variables in the 2nd year of this O. Twin TE would be some short yardage or Red Zone awesomeness.

Marshall and Jeffery split outside, Forte in a single back set and Miller and Bennett lined up in the slot position on each side of the formation. Matchup nightmare.

Big Mike

Marshal – Jeffery to one side, or twins? That’s what tossed me off. When I name a play, Twins always means both WRs to the same side. I get it. It is a match up nightmare. Does the D go with a Nickel formation? Running Game Mismatch, Base? Now they’ve got a LB one on one.. BAM

For your consideration….

Jeffery on one side, Marshall on the other. Pick your poison D coordinator, are you going to have a LB cover the TE’s or tiny nickel CB”s? Miller is 6’5 235 so he is pretty much a huge slow white WR. That is still very helpful since he dwarfs DB’s and is faster than LB’s.

Big Mike

This

Big Mike

As is Bennett. So now they are stressed on two sides. Safeties have help on Marshall and Jeffery, and if they match up with LBs on the TEs they’ve got to pay attention there. Or, it’s a run. Pain in the ass to defend, for sure.

For your consideration….

then you just swing Forte out of the backfield and he is in matchup heaven…..
super bowl.

GPLDAN

I shouldn’t have used the word twin, that was incorrect and does always signify two guys on the same side.

What I meant is that the x and z (Marshall and Jeffery) both stand on the LOS, giving you the needed 7 – and Unicorn and Miller are both in the respective slots on either side of the QB.

They can block the linebacker down in case you want to pitch to Forte, they can run routes, in mid-field situations both have the speed to run deep seam and pull both safeties off.

Marshall, Jeffery, Miller and Bennett is a damn difficult 4-wide formation to deal with. If they sell out and go dime, you block down and draw play Forte until they quit that shit. They blitz? Quick hitch.

I watched the Pats uuse Gronk and Hernandez on a MNF game nearly exclusively in double slot and the Jets simply had no answer for it.

Big Mike

I thought that’s what you meant. It is absolutely a ball breaker to defend. It becomes a guessing game for the D-Coordinator. If the 5 skill guys are all studs, you’re doomed. Best approach is to play base coverage and hope your athletes can make plays. You can give safety help on X or Y. Put your best man defender on the other, Use your other safety to help on the seam route for one of the TEs. But you are 1 on 1 in two spots (X or Y) and 1 of the TEs. If you freeze with a Play Action even for a beat, holy shit, there are options everywhere.

Trac

Jeff, we expect a new thread by 8 am evra Monday. Capiche pisan?

GPLDAN

Rolly Trolly question of the day:

Who has more receiving yards at the end of the year, Greg Olsen, Zach Miller, Unicorn or Jermichael Finlay once the Raidahs sign him?

I’m interested in how he’ll do. They’re saying the next McCluster, but the NFL rarely knows how to maximize such players.

Big Mike

Been a while since Hester was that fast.. The video made it apparent.

johnnywad

Know what’s great? Outside of the Safety position, and one linebacker spot, we’re all focused on the 2’s, 3’s, and 4’s. Most of the blog chatter is focused on back up Centers, 3rd vs. 4th WR’s, backup QB, 2nd vs. 3rd RB, etc…. Emery has locked up most of a starting football team very quickly.

For your consideration….

Conte dropped a game clinching INT and gave up the winning TD pass to Cobb but he certainly did not let the Packers drive 90yds+ and convert four 3rd downs and three 4th downs all by himself. He is getting the Grossman treatment and it will be the end of him. Every mistake will result in roars of disapproval from the fans unless the coach specifically calls out the fans and puts an end to it. It will still happen but it won’t happen wholesale and with the intensity of the Grossman shit.

For your consideration….

if you keep Conte though then who gets the axe?
Steltz
McGray
Vereen
Wilson
Mundy
Jennings
You can’t keep all of them.

Jennings will be the first to go.
Then Wilson because Wilson ain’t gonna be a gunner or play specials.
McCray after that.

Really, I expect Steltz (cuz of his experience on specials), Vereen, Mundy, Conte to make it.

It would be awesome if Wilson balls, then Mundy can move over to FS while Conte becomes our younger Steltz, but Wilson looked a lil slow last game. He seems more of a sub-package guy right now.

GPLDAN

Jennings for sure. I need to see Steltz back from injury, hopefully he plays against the Seahawks so we have something to measure.

Big Mike

And didn’t it seem inevitable that the Packers would score? They needed about 15 yards to have a shot at a FG and the Bears hadn’t made a stop all day…

A lot of fans are idiots and just look at that play and hate Conte. They will ride his ass, even when its not his fault. A select few have very well informed opinions and just don’t think he’s any good. MB30SD. I’m of the opinion, if he wins the job, he’s had to beat out much better competition than he’s had in the past and my hats off to him and he is our guy.

At the same time that wasn’t his only mistake of the year. He fell down and cost the Bears the Redskins game, he took bad angles, etc. Clearly the Bears’ Safeties were under duress most of the year, but a better performance from the safeties was expected.

None of the options on the squad are ideal. But competition does make you better. Just like I’m hopeful that Adrian Wilson has something in the tank, I’m hopeful that Conte comes back better.

MB30SD

here’s my end all be all deal Mike. Our safeties have ALL been second tier since my namesake. We haven’t had a single A or A+ guy back there and have relied on our dline rush and our pro bowl/HOF linebackers to make them look serviceable.

What happens when the dline breaks down, gets old or injured and our PB/HOF LB core retires and gets old/injured… we saw that 1000 yr storm happen all at once last year and both of our safeties got very exposed.

I’m a stickler and conte would probably be serviceable again if the dline and LBs get their shit together this year, but I have to be honest, this isn’t the coverwho any more and I’m just sick of fielding dogshit at safety every single year while relying on and spending the big money elsewhere. I get it all starts with the dline, and I’m all in on that strategy, but at some point, you GOTTA put guys back there who are better than just serviceable.

That and it would seem that even vereen would be much better than conte save the inexperience, because as you know (as a fb coach), you can’t really teach angles and tackling at this level… you either can or can’t at this point in a career, and conte isn’t good (at all) at either.

Big Mike

It will be different next year when we are drafting for strength, not to patch up Glitchy’s mess. I like how they prioritized their needs. Must be frustrating to watch the position you are attached to keep getting put off. I’m on OL guy. My itch was scratched with Slauson, Bushrod, Long, Mills. It’s a bit odd being the guy who get more excited about the OL than anything else. Best FA acquisition until Marshall for me was John Tait.

Waiting for the next MB has to be beyond frustrating after the years of 3rd rd draft picks that never quite worked out.

Have faith. 1 more year and I think you will get your A or A+ guy.

MB30SD

agree mike.

It’s only frustrating when they lose seasons for us… can you lose a season? Haha

Big Mike

and $30k. Very excited about the the progress of the beloved. The years since the SB in 06 held promise on the surface, but the core was being rotted. Parity, plus shitty drafts and an OC carousel led to a break down. Now we are on the upswing, with good years in front of us. Do we get the big prize? Who knows. Football as a passion is a bitch. As a player, coach or fan, you have to love it for the moment and for the possibilities. Championships are too far and too few. Take what it gives you. Enjoy the Draft, OTAs, Pre-Season, and Delicious Part of the year that is the regular season. The playoffs are a bonus. Playoff wins should be savored and wash away the bad years, A SB appearance is worthy of two weeks of pure fanaticism. A SB win, I don’t know twin Kate Upton’s at your disposal.

GPLDAN

FWIW, on the Score they analyzed the shit out of that Cobb game winner. Hub thought it was actually called on the field to bring Conte up. The signal was called, by Bostic, to bring him up, perhaps because the down and distance they wanted Peppers to sell out on the sack.

Conte has never said a word, but in all likelihood he was audibled into a run blitz.

It takes a man to take the fall for your team and not say a word. I thought Conte played his heart out. Like Waffloe says, he dropped a pick – but he also made a diving pick that was great.

MB30SD

Nope. There have been verified quotes from teammates saying there was a call to man out of zone and conte was the only one who didn’t do it. In fact, I think I read a direct quote where he admitted to this. I will look for it… found it.

“I didn’t get the check and thought we were still in zone pressure, three-deep,” said Conte, who settled near the first-down marker. “I was locked in. I’m thinking fourth down and my responsibilities. I’m going to say it’s my fault because I was too focused on my job, thinking about the routes they’ve been running all game. I thought we had a good call to begin with and it’s unfortunate I didn’t get the check.”

Conte is confused. He thinks he may be rotating with Bowman and switching up. Except Bowman doesn’t switch. Cobb goes past both of them.

I don’t think we’ll ever know if Cobb was supposed to be Bowman’s man on that play.

MB30SD

ok.

If this was one play GP, I would be MUCH more forgiving. Honestly, I’ve hated him being our FS for a long time… not just because of the last play of the year last year… but because he’s fucked us so many times with bad angles and horrible tackling over 3 years that I’ve lost count. He was decent in 2012 with a monster DLine 2 PB/HOF LBs and he still played 30 yards off the ball every single play (almost).

the bottom line is I dislike him so much because he’s not good enough to be the starting FS for the chi bears now that it’s emery’s and trest’s team. We need real talent, not some guy who we hope to god can just keep things in front of him from 30 yards off the ball.